Educational device



Oct. T3, 1953 c. M. G. VAN DIJCK 2,654,963

EDUCATIONAL DEVICE Filed Nov. 20, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet l FIG. I

Imventor C. M Van DU'o/ I d/dv w attorney 9 Oct. 13, 1953 c. M. G. VA'N DIJCK 2,654,963

I EDUCATIONAL DEVICE Filed Nov. 20, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 a I FIG. 3

Zhmentot CM. c;. \/ar: 0/ oh.

Gttorneg 5 1953 c. M. G. VAN DIJCK 54, 63

EDUCATIONAL DEVICE Filed Nov. 20, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. 5

ZSnventor QM 1 Van by A,

Gttorneg j Patented Oct. 13, 1953 UNITED STATES EDUCATIONAL DEVICE Charles Marla Guillaume Van Dijck, Antwerp, Belgium Application November 20, 1950, Serial No. 196,537

Claims. 1

This invention relates to educational devices and appliances, and has for its primary object the provision of a set of polygonal-shaped blocks, preferably cubes, the faces of each cube being provided with different basic and secondary coloring arrangements upon which have been superposed indicia relative to an educational problem; the coloring arrangements and problems of the blocks being so related, in a complementary sense, that the faces or sides of the blocks can be arranged in groups presenting the same basic coloring arrangement with various linear arrangements of the same secondary colorings, and under which circumstances the indicia representative of the educational problem will be arranged to present the correct solution thereof.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an educational device, the purpose of which is to enable children to learn and solve educational problems, such as multiplication,

while in the act of play.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a set of playing blocks adapted for use by children, containing visible characteristics and indicia so arranged that while playing the child can with. the exercise of butlittle intelligence arrange the blocks in groups so that the indicia thereon representative of an educational problem will automatically be arranged to present to the child the correct solution thereof.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an educational appliance consisting of a plurality of cubes whereon coloring arrangements are provided, each face bearing a different coloring arrangement, the blocks being so related that each block of the set has a complementary coloring arrangement on a face of each of the other blocks; the faces of the blocks being provided with arithmetical indicia consisting of multiplicands, multipliers, and the arithmetical multiplication symbols 0 and so arranged thereon that when the complementary coloring arrangements of the blocks are arranged in groups, the arithmetical indicia will present a correct multiplication table.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts thruout the several views Figure 1 is a group view of the set of blocks having the faces showing complementary basic coloring arrangements thereon and line d plays of complementary secondary colors so arranged as to present the faces with multiplicands ranging from 1 to 5 inclusive, and multipliers from 1 to 5 for each multiplicand, together with the correct products therefor.

Figure 2 is a group view of the set of blocks having the faces showing complementary basic coloring arrangements thereon and linear displays of complementary secondary colors so arranged as to present the faces with multiplicands ranging from 6 to 10' inclusive, and multipliers from 1 to 5 for each multiplicand, together with the correct products therefor.

Figure 3 is a group view of the set of blocks having the faces showing complementary basic coloring arrangements thereon and linear displays of complementary secondary colors so arranged as to present the faces with multiplicands ranging from 11 to 15 inclusive, and multipliers from 1 to 5 for each multiplicand, together with the correct products therefor.

Figure 4 is a group view of the set of blocks having the faces showing complementary basic coloring arrangements thereon and linear displays of complementary secondary colors so arranged as to present the faces with multiplicands ranging from 1 to 5 inclusive, and multipliers from 6 to 10 for each multiplicand, together with the correct products therefor.

Figure 5 is a group view of the set of blocks having the faces showing complementary basic coloring arrangements thereon and linear displays of complementary secondary colors so arranged as to present the faces with multiplicands ranging from 6 to 10 inclusive, and multipliers from 6 to 10 for each multiplicand, together with the correct products therefor.

Figure 6 is a group view of the set of blocks having the faces showing complementary basic coloring arrangements thereon and linear displays of complementary secondary colors so arranged as to present the faces with multiplicands ranging from 11 to 15 inclusive, and multipliers from 6 to 10 for each multiplicand, together with the correct products therefor.

Figure '7 is a perspective view of one of the blocks showing the relation of coloring arrangement and indicia on the three exposed faces thereof.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown only a preferred arrangement of the invention, the educational device consists of thirty blocks, preferably each in the form of a cube. Each cube or polygonal-shaped block has six sides or faces, preferably squares,

altho the shape of the block may vary from that of a cube without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the set of blocks five of them can conveniently be referred to as the multiplicand blocks and they are designated at a, b, c, d and e in the various views. The remaining twenty-five blocks of the set can be conveniently referred to as multiplierv and product blocks, since each of them has thereon a multiplier, the arithmetical equal symbol thereon, and a product.

Each multiplicand block a, b, c, d and e has each face of side thereof provided with different basic color, and a secondary coloring arrange ment consisting of two colors. TharL isalso, true for each of the multiplier and product blocks, except for the fact that the basic and secondary coloring arrangements upon the multiplier and product blocks have a different area disposition upon the faces thereof.

As will be seen from Figure 1, the blocks are. arranged in groups wherein the basic, color of each block shown, that is, for all thirty blocks, is blue. This is the primary factor enabling a child to arrange the proper grouping. The initial step is to place the basic blue. sides uppermost. The multiplicand blocks a, b, 0,, d and e not only have each basic color upon the lower portion of the face of the block, but also the left hand, upper portion. of the face; the. secondary coloring arrangement occupying'less area on eachface of the multiplicand blocks than upon the faces of any of the other blocks. Thisv is another factor enabling a child to arrange the multiplicand blocks in a vertical line. shown, the multiplicand blocks in the group of Figure l. have the multiplicands from 1 to 5 and the times symbols thereon. Of course. the child will be sufiiciently well versed in the solution of multiplication to arrange the blocks a; 1),, c, d and e in the order shown in the. grouping of Figure 1. with the numerals reading vertically downwards, in sequence, from i to 5.

The secondary coloring, for the block a, as shown with. basic blue exposed in Figure 1, consists of a green area a and a yellow area a The secondary coloring arrangement of the block b for the grouping shown in Figure 1 consists of an orange colored area b and a green colored area D The secondary coloring arrangement for block 0 as shown in group I consists of a red colored area c and a yellow colored area 0 for the block d a red colored area al and an orange colored area (Z and for the block e a brown colored area e and a red, colored area e It is necessary for the child to arrange the multiplier blocks of the sets linearly in a horizontal direction, matching the secondary coloring arrangements thereof with the multiplicand blocks. Of course the multiplier blocks should be arranged in numerical sequence from 1 to 5. This will complete the grouping and provide a display wherein the basic coloring arrangements of the exposed faces are all the same, and the secondary colors are linearly arranged in a horizontal direction, with the multipliers and multiplicands presenting a correct multiplication table.

For the grouping shown in Figure 2, the same procedure is followed. The basic coloring arrangement for the blocks faces as shown in Fi ure 2 is green; the secondary coloring arrangement of the blocks it consists of red as indicated at a and orange as indicated at a for the blocks b the secondary coloring is yellow as in d 4? b and blue as indicated at h; for the blocks c the secondary coloring arrangement is that of orange at c and brown at 0 for the blocks d the secondary coloring arrangement is red as indicated at d and yellow as indicated at d and for the blocks e the secondary arrangement is brown as indicated at e and red as indicated at 6 Withv the. basic, color green exposed on the faces of. all of the blocks in the grouping of Figure 2, the multiplicand blocks are arranged in the vertical order from 6 to 10, and the child matches the secondary coloring arrangements of the: blocks as above mentioned; the horizontal rows of the multiplier blocks having the multipliers, arranged from 1 to 5. This will give a second multiplication table with the correct solutions therefor;

In the grouping shown in Figure 3 the basic coloring arrangement is, that of orange. The secondary coloring arrangement for the multiplicand block 11 consists of a blue area a and a brown area a forth'e-bloclr h a red area b anda yellow areab y for the block c a red area 0 and a blue area o for the-bl'ock d a brown area d and a green area (i for the block e a yellow area a and a green area e The colorings of the multiplier blocks are arranged in exact conformity to that above describedfor the groupings of Figures I and 2, bearing in mind, of course, that the faces showing the basic orange color should be uppermost. The multiplicand blocks in the grouping shown in Figure 3 have the multiplicands ranging from 11 to 15, and the multipliers of this grouping range from 1 to 5.

With respect to the showing in Figure 4, the basic coloring is red, and the faces are exposed so that the sides having this basic coloring arrangement are uppermost. This having been done, the child then proceeds in the sequence above described. For the block a in the grouping shown in Figure 4 the basic colorin arrangement is orange as shown at a and yellow as shown at a for the blocks 12 brown as shown ,ath and green; as shown at b for the blocks 0 blue as shown at e and brown as shown at c for the blocks 11 yellow as shown at d and blue as shown at d; and forthe blocks e green as shown at e" and brown as shown at e. In the the grouping shown in Figure 4 with the red faces uppermost the child; in accordance with the above description for the other groupings, arranges the multiplicand blocks with the multiplicands in the vertical order of l to 5, and matching the secondary coloring arrangement in the horizontal rows, also places the multipliers in sequence from 6 to 10. This presents another correct multiplication table.

In the grouping, shown in Figure 5, the basic coloring is that of yellow, and the secondary colorings for the multiplicand blocks in this grouping are as follows: for the block a red coloring a and orange a for the block b green coloring l; and red coloring 12 for the block 0 red coloring and blue coloring 0 for the block (1 orange coloring d and green coloring d and for the block e brown coloring e and red coloring e In the grouping shown in Figure 5 with the basic yellow color uppermost the child arranges the multiplicands in vertical sequence reading from 6 to 1 0. Matching the secondary colorin arrangements the child places the rnultipliers in horizontal linear order irom 6 to 10; thus presenting another correct multiplication table.

In the up s n n igure 6 e asic color is that of brown. With these faces uppermost the child proceeds in the manner above described. For the block a in this grouping the secondary coloring arrangement presents a green color a, and a yellow color (2 the block b a blue color 12 and an orange color b for the block 0 a red color 0 and a green color 0 for the block if an orange color d and a red color 01 and for the block e a red color o and a blue color e The multiplicand blocks of the grouping shown in Figure 6 have multiplicands ranging from 11 to 15. They are arranged in vertical sequence. The child matches the secondary coloring arrangements of the blocks with the multipliers in horizontal sequence from 6 to 10. Thus, another multiplication table is presented.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that an improved educational appliance has been provided in the nature of a game, to enable a child while playing and arranging the blocks accordin to their basic and secondary coloring arrangements, to set up arithmetical indicia in correct order.

Various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be made to the form of invention herein shown and described without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An educational appliance comprising a plurality of polygonal-shaped blocks, each having the same number of faces, each face of which has a basic coloring arrangement thereon, the basic coloring arrangement differing upon each of the faces of each block and the basic color arrangement on each face being reproduced in like manner on the respective faces of all the blocks. each face of each block having a secondary coloring arrangement thereon consisting of a plurality of colors with all the faces of like basic coloring arrangement being color-keyed in subgroups of like secondary coloring arrangement, and educational indicia disposed upon each of the faces of said block, said blocks when arranged in a grou with the same basic coloring arran ement thereon displayed for each of the blocks and with the secondary coloring arrangements matchin resenting an ordered arrangement of sa d e ucat onal ndicia, related in the form of arithmet cal o lems and. an wers.

2. An educat onal device com rising a plurality of cubes each face of which is provided with a basic coloring arran ement thereon. the basic colorin arran ement differing on each face of each cube and the basic coloring a rangement on each face being reproduced in like manner on the respective faces of all the cubes. secondary coloring on a definite area of each cube on each face thereof bein such that all the cube faces of like basic coloring arrangement are colorkeved in subroups of like secondary coloring, arithmetical indicia upon each face of each cube, the basic and secondary coloring arrangements being such that the faces of the cubes can be arranged in groups wherein in each group the same basic coloring arrangement is presented to an observer, with similar secondary coloring arrangements presented to said observer in a plurality of different series, each of the series having matching colors of the subgroup, and when so arranged an ordered arrangement of said arithmetical indicia, related in the form of arithmetical problems and answers, will be presented.

3. An educational game comprising a plurality of six sided blocks, each side of each block being provided with a basic coloring arrangement thereon comprising a like arrangement of six basic single colors, and each side of which is additionally provided on an area thereof with a secondary coloring arrangement comprising a multiplicity of colors, all the block sides of like color being color-keyed in sub-groups of like secondary color arrangement, and arithmetical indicia disposed upon the faces of said blocks in such complementary relation to the basic and secondary colorings upon the faces of said blocks so that when the blocks are arranged in a group presenting the same basic coloring on each block of the group and the secondary colorings in matching horizontal rows, an ordered arrangement of said arithmetical indicia, related in the form of arithmetical problems and answers will be presented.

4. An educational device comprising a plurality of members each having a plurality of faces, the faces of each member having thereon a different basic color and a secondary coloring arrangement, the basic color on each face of a member being reproduced on the respective faces of all members in like manner, and all the faces of like basic color being color-keyed in sub-groups of like secondary colors, and arithmetical indicia placed upon said faces of the members and so arranged with respect to the basic and secondary colorings that when the faces of the members are arranged to present a group having same basic coloring, with the secondary colorings arranged in matching rows, the said arithmetical indicia will be presented in an ordered arrangement related in the form of arithmetic problems and answers.

5. An educational appliance comprising a set of blocks, a certain number of said blocks having multiplicands on the faces thereof, and the remainder of said blocks having multipliers and a solution on each of the faces thereof, the multiplicand blocks having basic and secondary colors thereon differing on each face thereof, the multiplier blocks each having the faces thereof also provided with basic and secondary coloring arrangements thereon, respectively, matching the basic and secondary coloring arrangements of the multiplicand blocks, the basic and secondary coloring arrangements of the multiplier blocks occupying a different area thereon than the basic and secondary coloring arrangements of the multiplicand blocks, said blocks of the set when arranged in groups of rows presenting the same basic coloring arrangement to an observer with secondary colorings matching in rows and the multiplicands and multipliers in sequence the group will present a correct multiplication table. CHARLES MARIA GUILLAUME VAN DIJCK.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 239,385 Irwin Mar. 29, 1881 438,757 Bliss Oct. 21, 1890 704,979 Terrazas July 15, 1902 1,244,000 Soltoft Oct. 23, 1917 1,428,456 Stranders Sept. 5, 1922 1,696,988 Troidl Jan. 1, 1929 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 22,073 Australia Aug. 27, 1929 560,302 Great Britain Mar. 29, 1944 

